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From what drives e-retail in India to World Bank’s foray into India’s venture debt market, YourStory brings you today’s headlines with the latest developments across sectors.

Featured stories

Online retail to grow on the back of quick commerce, hyper-value commerce: Report

The Indian e-retail market is expected to surge over $60 billion in GMV driven by the popularity of quick commerce, adoption of hyper-value commerce, and trend-first approaches in the market, according to a report from Bain & Company and Flipkart.

Hyper-value commerce grew from 5% of e-retail GMV in 2021 to more than 12% in 2024. The shift is growing on the back of internet penetration and traction among lower-middle-income consumers, particularly in Tier II or smaller cities.

According to another report by Redseer, a large share of consumers favour small-ticket transactions and prioritise affordability.

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Latest news

World Bank’s IFC backs Alteria Capital’s short-term Venture Debt fund

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has joined Alteria Capital as an anchor investor in its Shorter Duration Scheme (SDS), marking the World Bank unit’s foray into India’s niche venture debt market.

The SDS fund will target short-term capital demands, including working capital and inventory financing, with licensed fintech firms and consumer-focused startups as primary beneficiaries. Portfolio companies under SDS include proptech firm Ivy Homes, financial services startup Swara Fincare, and consumer brand TEN x YOU.

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Funding news

OneStack raises $2 million in Series A round

Fintech platform OneStack has raised $2 million in Series A funding and is expected to secure an additional $1 million as part of the same round.

The round was led by Pentathlon Ventures, along with participation from Yatra Angel Network and continued support from existing investors 100Unicorns and Venture Catalysts.

Founded by Amit Kapoor and Vishal Gupta, the company offers a comprehensive tech stack to to digitise India’s cooperative banking ecosystem.

Other news

Netherlands, Karnataka Govt and C-CAMP look at AI-led synergies in healthcare

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has facilitated discussions between Karnataka’s Health Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, and Netherlands Vice Minister of Health, Barbara Goezinne, to explore collaborations in AI-driven health innovations.

Discussions explored aligning the Netherlands’ public health system with Karnataka’s system through a proposed ‘Innovation Bridge,’ which will be facilitated by C-CAMP as part of a potential bilateral partnership.

(This article will be updated with the latest news throughout the day.)